A Federal High Court located in Abuja has postponed a fundamental rights enforcement suit amounting to N300 million naira, which was filed by the detained artist Darlington Achakpo, commonly known as Speed Darlington.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 27. The presiding judge, Justice Musa Liman, established this date following a request by the counsel for the Inspector-General of Police, CSP Audu Garba, who sought a brief postponement to adequately review the further affidavit presented by Achakpo’s attorney, Abubakar Marshal, during the proceedings.
At the outset of the hearing, Marshal informed the court that the session was intended for the consideration of the substantive application for the enforcement of his client’s fundamental rights. He indicated that the police had served their counter affidavit on Friday, and a further affidavit had also been submitted in response to it.
However, Counsel Garba noted that, despite filing their counter affidavit, he had not yet received the further affidavit. Justice Liman inquired about the filing date of the further affidavit, to which Marshal responded, “It was filed this morning, my lord.” With the court's permission, Marshal subsequently served Garba with a copy of the further affidavit.
As Marshal sought to proceed with the application, the police counsel opposed the request, stating that he required additional time to examine the further affidavit to determine whether it introduced new issues of fact and law necessitating a suitable response.
Justice Liman thus adjourned the case until January 27 for the adoption of submissions. It is pertinent to note that in the fundamental rights suit designated FHC/ABJ/CS/1832/2024, Speed Darlington has named the Inspector-General of Police as the sole respondent.
The musician has requested the court to declare that his arrest and detention constitute violations of his fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution of 1999. He has sought four specific orders from the court. These include a directive for the Inspector-General to release him from the detention facility immediately and unconditionally; alternatively, he requests a mandate compelling the Inspector-General to present him in court, enabling the court to examine the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention, and, if deemed appropriate, grant him bail.
Moreover, he seeks an order directing the respondent to compensate him with the sum of three hundred million naira as general, exemplary, and aggravated damages for his unlawful and continued detention since 2024.
Conclusion:
The adjournment of Speed Darlington’s N300 million suit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) signifies the complexities involved in legal disputes, particularly those involving public figures and institutions. While it offers a pause for both parties to reconsider their positions and strategies, it also highlights the importance of navigating the legal system thoughtfully to advocate for justice. Moving forward, collaborative efforts and open channels of communication will be crucial in seeking a resolution that acknowledges the grievances raised while respecting the due process of law. Regardless of the outcome, this case emphasizes the need for accountability and fairness within the law enforcement framework, ultimately contributing to the broader dialogue surrounding rights and protections in society.